Things to Do in Chicago | 6/24/2014 | Concierge Picks | Chicago Travel
Hello! I'm Anthony Gates, Concierge at the JW Marriott Chicago, and this week's concierge correspondent. I have your Concierge Picks for the busy week of June 24 -- 30. Let's dive into it!
The annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival, one of the only free admission gospel festivals in the world, takes place at the Chicago Cultural Center and Ellis Park June 27th through the 29th. The highlight of the festival will be the McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, hosted by comedian Jonathan Slocumb and Erica Campbell, one half of the multi-award-winning gospel duo Mary Mary. Audiences can expect to hear performances by the always-exuberant Mississippi Mass Choir and Uncle Reese, who blends gospel and hip-hop with stage drama. While the Chicago Cultural Center is downtown, Ellis Park is located at 37th and Cottage Grove in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood, near the area where modern gospel music was birthed more than 80 years ago. See your concierge for more information.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Various locations, Chicago, IL
chicagogospelmusicfestival.us
Also this weekend is the 30th annual World's Largest Block Party at Old St. Pat's Church. Considered to be Chicago's oldest public building and a treasured historic landmark, this event at Old St. Pat's is a party for a good cause. Proceeds support the mission and outreach activities of Old St. Pat's including the Education Center, the Outreach Group, Horizons For Youth, to name a few. Expect live music, the tastiest treats, and celebrity bartenders at this two-day block party. This all takes place June 27 and 28 at Madison & Des Plaines Streets in Chicago's West Loop. Sorry, you must be 21 years old to enter this one.
World Largest Block Party at Old St. Patrick's Church
Madison and Des Plaines Streets, Chicago, IL
worldslargestblockparty.com
Finally, on Sunday, June 29, stake your claim along the parade route for the Pride Parade, part of June's Pride Month in Chicago. The parade is held the weekend after Chicago's iconic annual Pride Fest. The parade kicks off at 12 noon from Broadway and Montrose going along a four-mile route. My tips for the best viewing? For the liveliest, head to Halsted St. between Belmont & Grace Streets in the heart of Boystown. For a less crowded area, head to the beginning of the parade on Broadway between Montrose and Sheridan. Bar and restaurant celebrations follow the parade and continue throughout the night. See your concierge for more information and be a part of the festivities in Boystown!
45th Annual Chicago Pride Parade
Route begins on Broadway Ave. at Montrose
chicagopride.gopride.com/
For more information on these events, check out ConciergePreferred.com, or pick up a magazine at any Concierge Desk in the city. Visit ConciergePreferred.com every Wednesday for the week's Concierge Picks.